Could Ezekiel Fryers push for a first team place at Tottenham Hotspur next season?

The 20-year-old was brought in as one for the future in January, but could Fryers be the surprise winner of a battle for the left-back spot at Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

When Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Ezekiel Fryers in January Spurs fans were largely celebrating for two reasons.

Firstly their side had made an unusually early move in a transfer window, something that gave them hope, albeit misplaced hope, that they could be strengthening the team considerably for the seconds half of the season. Secondly Spurs had seemingly outmanoeuvred Manchester United to get Fryers at a reduced price by signing the player via Standard Liege.

Generally there was little appraisal of Fryer’s ability on the pitch, further than to say he had the potential to be an excellent player one day.

Even now, after Fryers has played several games for the under-21 side at Tottenham Hotspur, it is difficult to judge the progress of the left-back, and how far away he is from a first team place.

However given the current situation at Spurs, Fryers might well get a chance to force himself into consideration for the first team as soon as next season.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s future at Spurs is far from certain, but even if he does stay, he will likely face a battle with Danny Rose for a first team place, and Fryers might hope he can force himself into that fight.

Rose has enjoyed a fine season on loan at Sunderland, but there are still doubts about his long-term future as a Spurs player, and he will not have much of edge on Fryers going into pre-season.

Fryers has to see this summer as a chance to make Andre Villas-Boas take notice of his ability. Although he was only signed in January, at 20, Fryers is at an age where if he is going to make an impression at White Hart Lane, he needs to be in and around the senior squad in the next couple of seasons.

Unless Spurs go out and sign a new first choice left-back, the position is likely to be up fro grabs come August, and Fryers has a better opportunity than most youngsters at the club to get into the senior side this year.

Nick Harris

I'm Nick Harris, Spurs fan and sports writer. Alongside HITC, I'm the founder, editor, writer, and fan of footballspirals.com and can be found on Twitter - @nicksharris. When I'm not watching sport I'm usually drinking coffee and checking updates on my phone in an antisocial manner.